SozBots: Battling with Mini Bots

If you've ever thought about building your own combat robot but hesitated because of the cost and time involved, this article is for you. Learn how both new and experienced robot enthusiasts are investigating the basics of robot design by building smaller robots called SozBots. These bots may be small, but the amount of fun you can have with them is huge.

Like this article? We recommend

Like this article? We recommend

SozBots! They're small. They're mighty. They're Sixteen OZ
roBOTS, ready to battle with all the gusto of the bigger, more expensive
robots.

During a recent Embedded Systems Conference in San Francisco, one of the
attractions was the SozBot ProAm, featuring small-scale robots scurrying around
a specially built arena. SozBots are gaining in popularity as people strive to
learn the basics of robot design and battle strategy in a simpler, less
expensive way.

Robot enthusiasts created SozBot competitions several years ago after
discovering tiny robots in the United Kingdom called Antweights. These robots
weighed 150 grams, but competitors in the United States adopted a limit of 1
pound.

"These smaller robots have caught on because you can build the robots
and the arena a lot cheaper," says Mike Herbst, robot builder and webmaster
of
http://www.puppetmaster-robotics.com.
"Yet they still have a lot of the same visceral appeal that the larger
robots do."

With SozBot names such as Complete RipOff and Lame-O Inferno, the competitors
at these events don't take themselves too seriously as they compete with
their custom-made bots. Even so, the reality of the sport is that a carefully
constructed creation might get destroyed in just a few minutes of frantic
bashing.

But if SozBots sound like too much fun to pass up, here are a few tips to
help get your SozBot built and ready to rumble.

Plan of Attack

First, talk with other hobbyists. Find out if there is a local robotics club
in your area, or check out the events hosted by
http://www.sozbots.com. The
SozBots organization transports a portable arena to different cities throughout
the country, dispensing advice, encouraging camaraderie, and selling parts for
emergency repair during battles.

By watching a competition and examining other robots, you can get a sense of
scale that will help you design your own creation. If you can't see an
event in person, sites such as
http://www.botbash.com provide
videotaped replays of battles and photos of competing sozbots.

Next, read the rules concerning weight, weapons, and safety. Most
competitions follow the official Robot Fighting League rules, available at
http://www.botleague.com.
The rules are long and detailed, but it's no fun to be disqualified because
your robot didn't pass the weight and safety inspections. Be cautious with
weapons. A flame-thrower might seem like a great idea, but RFL rules don't
allow them.

Finally, put your robot on a diet. It can be tough to stay within the
16-ounce weight limit. Personal preference plays a part in the design process
regarding weight considerations. Do you want a "pushy bot" that will
push your opponent around without a weapon? If so, most of the weight will be
taken up by the motor and batteries. Or do you want a more destructive robot
with a weapon? In that case, the weapon will take up much of your weight.

"Ask a lot of questions before you buy any parts," advises Herbst.
"When I first started, I found that I bought a lot of stuff I didn't
need, which is still sitting on a shelf."